ORD-2008-102a - Animal Control Ordinance - Tethering of Dogs

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214 T~~g ~~~ ~rt Ju1y 30ffi, 2007 county (Scotland) has the same ordinance as the city. They have a 90 percent compliance rate at this pow- I~urinburg also bas restrictions on pens size - I On10 for smaller dogs, 20s10 for larger. Animal control wants larger require~rnents, but the city counci'1 has not agreed. IIJFORCF.N)ET1T: 1 hour time limit verified by sitting and watching. Vio1a#ors are given a two- week warning notice in general, but animal control uses discxetian and wi71 give some situations more time if the dog is in good condition. ~olahon results in a civil citatiion and X100 fine. They do have the power to impound dogs and feel this has been an important tool Most people comply with the law by putting up a pen.. The Humane Society has provided some pens to those who cannot afford itA Those that don't comply and have their dogs impo~mded must pay shelter fee, vaccinations, etc. to get the dog baalc. Sometimes the shelter fee is waived. About 25 % reclaim their dog and the rest are betxer off anyway. PHASE ]N: The city had a ono-year education period before enforcement began They educated the community through fact sheets, newspaper, radio, posters, etc. RESULT5 OF ORDINANCE: Overall decrease in cruelty cases, cut down on pit bull problems, decreased dog bites, and helped with overpopulation (penned dogs are nvt as easy to get pregnant). Prior to the law, 50.0 of bites before were fivnx chained dogs. No dramatic increase in sun~eaders and. no real problems with people turning their dogs loose. PUBLIC REACTION: Positive-most people think chaining is cruel. Those that don't agree are those whose dogs are nut well taken care of anyway: Joaine MGKeeL Shelter Maaaser Catawba County Animal Care and Control Catawba County THB LAW: Catawba does not have a ban, just requirements on conditions for tethering. ENFORCNIEI~IT: They don't receive complaints very o$w. When fiery do it is because of length of chain They educate people as to why they have the requirements, and will write citations for violators. The ten percent of body weight regmrement is assessed by eyeballing the situation. Some officers feel comfortable and some don't with having to make jt~dgnaents on the situations. No citations have been challenged RESULTS OF LAW: More chaining occurs in the rural area. Approximately 90 - 95% of people are compliant They have not seen an increase is animals being s~uzendered.. More animas are ~~readered under the nuisance ordinance than the tethering ordinance. 28